Mrs. Hopewell uses the term "good country people" to describe those she sees as simple, ordinary, and controllable, often projecting her own fantasies onto them. She praises them as "the salt of the earth," but this is ironic as she considers them inferior. The term reflects her condescension, as seen with characters like the Freeman family and Manley Pointer, who ultimately defy her simplistic categorization.

Joy changes her name to Hulga in "Good Country People" to reflect her perception of the world's ugliness and her own detachment from life. She believes the name Hulga, which she finds unattractive, aligns more honestly with her physical appearance and soul. Hulga feels intellectually superior, believes in nothing, and wants to confront life without sugarcoating her harsh reality.

The relationship between Mrs. Hopewell and Joy has been stunted by Joy's dependence on her mother's caretaking efforts, which Mrs. Hopewell has been happy to provide for over three decades. Though Mrs. Hopewell is a strong female character, she also displays hypocritical Christian attitudes, which Joy resents. Because of this, she believes herself intellectually superior. This overconfidence causes her to be misled by the Bible salesman's interest in her.

The title, “Good Country People” implies that the people of this town are good and honest. The title is ironic because no one in this story is a truly “good country person,” they all have flaws and sin just like everyone else.

The phrase "We are not our own light" in "Good Country People" reflects the philosophical ideas of Malebranche, suggesting human dependence on God for understanding and guidance. Hulga, the character who uses this phrase, embodies a tension between material individuality and spiritual personality. This duality highlights the conflict between human freedom and divine will, as well as the struggle to reconcile personal identity with spiritual truth, illustrating O'Connor's exploration of faith and human nature.

Manley Pointer's use of "Chrustians" in "Good Country People" initially appears to reflect a Southern dialect, suggesting ignorance. However, by the story's end, his true nature as a con artist mocks the Christian characters, implying they are "crusted" with false beliefs. The term "Chrustian" may also symbolize a hard outer layer or hypocrisy, highlighting Pointer's manipulation of their trust. Thus, "Chrustian" serves as a deliberate insult to their naivety.

O'Connor's repeated use of "good country people" in the story emphasizes irony and explores themes of grace. The phrase is used to describe characters who are far from "good," such as the boastful Mrs. Freeman, the prideful Mrs. Hopewell, and the deceitful Manley Pointer. This irony highlights the Biblical theme of grace, where undeserving sinners receive divine favor. The story critiques societal labels and underscores the need for grace among flawed individuals.

Mrs. Freeman’s descriptions of her daughters contribute to the story’s theme of alienation and difference that Hulga embodies in "Good Country People." Through the characters of the two mothers, author Flannery O’Connor draws a sharp contrast between the social conformity of local young women, such as the Freeman daughters, and Hulga’s perceived status as a misfit in her community. Glynese and Carramae are representatives of traditional female virtues, such as beauty and motherhood, that Hulga does not possess.

"Good Country People" suggests that uniqueness and imperfection are inherent in human nature, often manifesting as grotesque characteristics. O'Connor's characters, like Hulga, are flawed yet relatable, embodying both humor and moral critique. Hulga's physical deformity and her superior attitude highlight her inner imperfections. Through satire, O'Connor illustrates how these imperfections reflect deeper spiritual flaws, challenging readers to recognize the grotesque aspects within themselves and society.

Joy-Hulga's character traits in "Good Country People" include intellectual arrogance and cynicism. She prides herself on her education and often looks down on others, believing herself to be superior. Despite her physical disability, she is emotionally detached and skeptical, reflecting her nihilistic worldview.